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Clifton Guillory
Commander
Detachment of Texas
2022-2023
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Detachment of Texas
Commander’s Travel Notes
February 28, 2023
TO ALL PROUD POSSESSORS OF A PRICELESS HERITAGE
What a magical weekend. My Homecoming weekend was surprising, exciting, and unexpectedly revealing. Those that were in attendance were treated to facts about me that I don’t normally speak about. That’s what happens when your sister who is Auxiliary Unit 817 president gets up to roast and toast you. Along with many others taking their shots at me for a fun-filled evening.
The American Legion Family of Texas came from far and near to attend my Homecoming celebration. It was a gathering of my family and old friends, those who love the Legion, some of whom were instrumental in my rise to success.
The activities started on Friday afternoon with a Crawfish boil and Fish and Shrimp fry. To my surprise just about all of the Sons of The American Legion attendees arrived on Friday. Kevin Winkleman declared the crawfish to be the best that he’s had in a very long time. You see my Detachment Page Assistant and 2023 Department of Texas Post Adjutant of the Year Cheryl Williams planned the entire weekend with the support of the entire Post 817 Legion family and with very helpful advice from Auxiliary’s Unit 33 President Christine Trahan. I was not allowed to be involved in any of the planning which was very awkward for me because I’m accustomed to at least getting a report on the progress of any project. During the entire 2 day event It was an eye-popping surprise at every turn.
On Saturday the occasion began with a social hour which is always great as a warm-up to any occasion. Wonderful libations and hors d'oeuvres were the offerings.
The blessing of the food was given by Post 817 Chaplain Albert Darby. Dinner was served with the option of brisket or chicken with the usual very liberal offerings of sides. Your choice of three different desserts to choose from to top off the tasteful meal.
Continuing to the main event with the honor guard posting and saluting the flag of our great country, reciting the pledge of allegiance, and saying an opening prayer.
Butch Sparks placed a chair in the middle of the Post Ballroom and then roasting, toasting, and gift-giving began like incoming enemy fire starting Jeff Perkins. It was the best fun that I’ve had in a long time. The highlight of the evening is when the audience heard from someone that most very rarely hear from, my wife Judy. There was a lot to learn about Clifton Guillory in the words Judy imparted during her wonderfully expressed short dissertation. If you were not in attendance you missed a good one. From Christine Trahan, Milton Chatham, Hilary Guest to Steve Slaughter, to Tom Arista and Lewis Elam and Cheryl Williams, and how can I forget Teresa Simmons-Copeland’s letter that was read aloud. The expressions in that letter was very humbling. I could feel the love from the entire audience because I knew that they were my friends and they loved the Legion otherwise they wouldn’t have been there.
The evening came to a culmination with words from me of encouragement to live by for the entire Legion family. Imparting the understanding that our purpose is to look after and take care of the Veteran, their family, his community, and our military. This will be so regardless of the way you qualified to be part of the greatest organization in the world.
Thank you Legion family I will continue to serve at your pleasure.
Honoring our priceless heritage
Clifton Guillory
Commander
Detachment of Texas
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